Collegewide Objectives

The student will be able to:

1. Explain and discuss the ideological foundations of American Democracy.
2. Identify and describe how the three branches of government function.
3. Comprehend the factors effecting participation in the political process.
4. Analyze the issues of civil liberties, rights, and responsibilities within the diverse socio-political context.
5. Develop an awareness of the interrelationship of geopolitical issues and the American political system.

GENERAL TOPIC AREAS

1. Introduction to Politics: The Conflict Between Ethics and Power
2. Restraint of Power: The United States Constitution from an Historical and Contemporary Perspective
3. Civil Liberties and Civil Rights: Speech, Press, and Religion; Equality; Law and Order
4. Who gets Elected: Demographies, Ideologies, and Propaganda
5. Power Politics: Interest Groups, Lobbyists, and Other OutsidePressures on Government
6. Executive Branch: National Security and Foreign Policy
7. Legislative Branch: Congress....Conflict and Compromise
8. Judicial Branch: The Marble Temple and Landmark Cases
9. Geo-political Diversity: How Different Cultural Realities Affect American Policy Decisions.